If you know of a song that should be included on this list, join the weather message boards and share your song! I would love to add to this list!
by Associate Writer Fred Cabral
1. November Rain
Guns N’ RosesNovember Rain
1991
Geffen Records
This rock ballad with the longest guitar solo ever in a top ten hit reminds us that nothing lasts forever, including the “cold November rain”.
2. I Wish it Would Rain Down
Phil CollinsI Wish it Would Rain Down
1990
Atlantic
A song about an unexpected encounter with an ex-lover, the singer wishes for the rain to wash away his grief. Instead of representing hardships, the rain here represents a restorative force.
3. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me
George Michael/Elton JohnDon’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me
1991
UTV Records
Originally recorded by Elton John in 1974, Sir Elton joined George Michael for a live version in 1991. This song about acceptance went on to become a number one hit.
4. Rain
MadonnaRain
1992
Warner Bros.
Instead of using the rain to represent sadness and despair, Madonna uses it to represent the healing and restorative power of love. She promises to “stand out here on the mountain top till I feel your rain”.
5. No Rain
Blind MelonNo Rain
1993
Capitol
This song was reportedly written about a girl who yearned for rain just so she’d have an excuse to sleep in. The singer finds escape from everyday life while “watchin' the puddles gather rain”.
6. Black Hole Sun
SoundgardenBlack Hole Sun
1994
A&M
One of the most popular songs of the “grunge” era of the early 90’s, the lyrics are a bit obscure. However, an interview with the band indicates that the dreary weather of Seattle, WA was the inspiration for this song.
7. Lightning Crashes
LiveLightning Crashes
1995
Geffen Records
Lightning is often used in music to symbolize a sudden, striking event. The lightning in this song has been said to symbolize a car crash that killed a friend of Live’s band members.
8. Only Happy When it Rains
GarbageOnly Happy When it Rains
1996
Almo Sounds
Rather than complain about the rainy weather, Garbage celebrates it. Apparently “riding high upon a deep depression” causes people to find the rain enjoyable instead of a nuisance.
9. Sunburn
FuelSunburn
1999
Sony
This song uses the sun as a destructive force rather than a nurturing entity. The chorus states “If I can't find my way back to me/Let the sun fall down over me”.
10. Steal My Sunshine
LENSteal My Sunshine
1999
Sony
The catchy tune to this song, with a beat sampled from the disco hit “More, More, More” by the Andrea True Connection, turned this into the only major hit for the Canadian group LEN. The sunshine in this song can be interpreted as an optimistic attitude, and therefore “I know it's up for me/if you steal my sunshine”.
